Eric Jon Mahlum (from left), Rob Tucker and Andrew M. McMath in Milwaukee Repertory Theater's production of "I Left My Heart: A Salute To The Music Of Tony Bennett."

If you attend "I Left My Heart," the Milwaukee Repertory Theater's season-opening Tony Bennett revue, you won't hear a word about the man who helped liberate a concentrate camp, marched with Martin Luther King Jr. at Selma and became an outspoken opponent of the American invasion of Iraq. Nor will you hear about Bennett's two divorces or former drug addiction.

As the subtitle to the Rep's revue indicates, what co-writers David Grapes and Todd Olson (who also directs) have created is a "salute to the music of Tony Bennett," with an emphasis on the music. | Aug. 26, 2013»Read Full Article(1)

Scrooge may hog the theatrical limelight during the holiday season, but he's hardly the only one with a story of improbable redemption. Just ask the six troublemaking Herdman kids, who are doing some attention-grabbing of their own in First Stage Children's Theater's eighth production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

Early in the Barbara Robinson novel that inspired this play, the narrating Beth Bradley tells us that she and her classmates figured the Herdman clan — poor, dirty and rough — "were headed straight for hell." Sure enough, director Jeff Schaetzke opens the show by bringing the Herdmans onstage from below, surrounded by a swirl of smoke. | Dec. 1, 2013»Read Full Article(2)

Handel on holidays

Hallelujah! There are a few chances to hear Handel's masterwork "Messiah" this holiday season. The Milwaukee Area Messiah Community Chorus and Orchestra is made up of our neighbors with the express purpose of spreading the gospel by performing this and other works. They will perform the "Messiah" with its "Hallelujah" chorus at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 W. Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, and 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus. The performances are free, but donations are welcome and go to Milwaukee charities. | Dec. 1, 2013»Read Full Article